Book Review

Introduction

The Air Data 1 Bae Systems Hawk is the first of a series of publications by SAM Publications. The book is soft bound with four staples in the spin that act as attachments so they can be added to a A4, 4 ringed binder. This particular book is written by Andy Evans, who also did the art work.
The BAe systems Hawk has been the main fast jet trainer for a number of air forces over the last 35 years. The initial design for the Hawk was by Hawker Siddeley [HS], in response to the British Ministry of Defence requirement for a tandem-seat, single-engine, subsonic jet trainer with weapons capability. HS had to compete against the Dassault-Dornier Alpha jet and a proposal by British Aircraft Corporation [BAC]. Ultimately the HS proposal was accepted in October 1971 followed by the RAF ordering 176 aircraft. HS and latterly BAe Systems have been successful in exporting the Hawk in various guises to a number of countries, one of the most surprising was to the US Navy in partnership with McDonnell Douglas. The T-45 Goshawk is a heavily modified Hawk, but the origins are clear.

The book

68 pages.
8 Chapters
1.Aircraft origins.
2.Hawk 50 series
3.Hawk 60 series.
4.T-45 Goshawk.
5.Hawk 100 series
6.Hawk LIFT [Lead In Fighter Trainer]
7.Hawk 200 series
8.Colour profiles. There are four pages of profiles, five if you include the profile behind the front cover. !5 coloured side illustrations and two side, above and below illustrations.

Aimed at the modeler and air enthusiast this tittle is packed with photos and informative text. There is an abundance of colour schemes that would keep any fan of the Hawk modeling for a very long time. The most interesting schemes for me is the BAe Hawk 100 demonstrator in all white and low vis RAF markings, carrying two wing mounted fuel tanks, two wing mounted AIM-9 Sidewinders and what looks like a recce pod under the fuselage [pg 43] and the zinc chromate Hawk 128 [pg 57] sporting it's serial number and RAF insignia. But the most varied schemes are with RAF service. The red and white when it first entered service, through to the grey/green wraparound camouflage, the dark and light grey to the black overall finish of today's Hawks. Not to mention a plethora of Anniversary, Squadron and air show markings. For all you that enjoy weathering your aircraft, I am afraid I have bad news. Everyone of the aircraft photographed seems to be in immaculate condition.
There are numerous photos of the cockpit, bang seats, details of undercarriages, wheel wells, various vents and pipes and aerials. There are many photos of Hawks carrying an assortment of pylons, cannon pods and armaments. If you enjoy displaying your aircraft as a diorama, there are some excellent shots of the Goshawk on the deck of US carriers.

Conclusion

This book is a real celebration of this important type, the stepping stone for many pilots heading for front line fast jets. Highly recommended.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.

SUMMARY

Highs: Many photos, mainly in full colour, approx 260 and one in B/W.In depth walk around of various airframes .Description of all versions of the Hawk and their service with various Air Forces.Lows: There are no scale plans.No internal views of the engine inlet or jet pipe.No inclusion of any Red Arrows aircraft.Verdict: With the possible arrival of Revell's 1/32 Hawk along with the current kits of this type, this is a very good reference. Highly recommended.